Lightweight convertible car seat and stroller

PRIORITY CLAIM

Under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 1.19(e), priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/236,685 filed Sep. 29, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to convertible children's vehicle seats. More particularly, the present invention involves a multifunction vehicle seat for an infant or toddler, that easily converts to a mobile seat for transporting an infant or toddler outside of a vehicle.

2. State of the Art

Children's vehicle seats and strollers are well known in the art. For years, manufacturers have been improving children's car seat designs to improve the safety and functionality of such seats. Particular functional design improvements include designs allowing greater mobility of the vehicle seats, such that the seats may be easily transferred from one vehicle to another. In addition, many of the children's vehicle seats available today are smaller and lighter, allowing a person to easily carry the seat with an infant or toddler secured therein. As the materials used to make the vehicle seats have become stronger and lighter, the demand for multi-functional seats has risen. For example, many of the children's vehicle seats double as bassinets, miniature cradles, and transportable carriers. Some of the seats are even designed to fit into a stroller housing so that an infant or toddler may be removed from a vehicle and placed in a stroller without disturbing the child in the seat.

Recently, multifunctional car seat/stroller units have also been gaining popularity. In an attempt to eliminate the amount of equipment necessary to operate a car seat/stroller unit, stroller functionality is incorporated into the car seat itself. Integration of stroller parts into a car seat eliminates the need for two pieces of equipment, the car seat and a stroller housing. The singular unit simplifies the process of transporting an infant or child.

One example of a car seat/stroller combination is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,134. The car seat/stroller design of that invention incorporates stroller functionality into a compartment in the base of the car seat. When used as a car seat, the incorporated stroller mechanism is hidden within the base of the car seat. When used as a stroller, retractable stroller legs with wheels extend from the base, providing classic four-legged stroller functionality to the seat. In addition, a telescoping handle built into the back of the car seat/stroller combination is used to push the car seat/stroller unit when operating the device as a stroller.

Other, similar car seat/stroller design combinations also exist. However, many of the designs require extensive effort to convert the car seat to a stroller unit. The additional components also add extra weight to the car seat, making it more difficult to handle and carry. In addition, many of the car seat/stroller combinations involve multiple moving parts prone to excessive wear or breakage.

Furthermore, the traditional stroller designs incorporated into the car seat/stroller combinations in use today are most efficiently operated by pushing the stroller. Although well accepted as the standard method of transporting a child, certain problems exist with such a configuration. For example, in crowds, the stroller unit is difficult to maneuver because the stroller precedes the individual pushing the stroller. Thus, the stroller is often times used to part the crowd. Maneuverability is also often times dependent upon the use of two hands and positions the user slightly forward, making it difficult for the user of the stroller to carry shoulder bags and other items or use one hand for other tasks.

A convertible vehicle seat/stroller type unit having minimal operating parts and which is easy for the operator to maneuver and handle is therefore desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to convertible children's vehicle seats. More particularly, the present invention involves a multifunction vehicle seat for an infant or toddler that is easily converted to a mobile seat for transporting an infant or toddler outside of a vehicle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a mobile children's seat comprises a children's seat, having a seat portion and a back portion, a set of wheels attached to a fulcrum point of the mobile children's seat, and a retractable handle integrated with the back portion of the mobile children's seat. With the handle stored in the back portion of the mobile children's seat, the seat acts and functions like a children's vehicle seat. Removed from a vehicle and sitting on the ground, the mobile children's seat is stable, such that a child may be secured in the seat. Thus, a mobile children's seat, having a child secured therein, may be removed from a vehicle and placed on the ground for mobile operation. To use the mobile children's seat as a child transport, the handle is extended and the mobile children's seat tipped onto the wheels about the fulcrum point. Using the handle, the mobile children's seat may be pushed or pulled to transport a child secured therein.

In another embodiment of the present invention the mobile children's seat includes retractable wheels. The retractable wheels may be retracted into the mobile children's seat, such as the back portion of the mobile children's seat, to give the mobile children's seat an appearance more similar to that of a children's vehicle seat. Although the mobile children's seat may be used as a vehicle seat when the wheels are extended, retracting the wheels eliminates any interference that the wheels may cause.

In addition, the present invention encompasses an adaptor for converting standard children's seats to mobile children's seats similar to the present invention. The adaptor comprises a support platform having wheels and a retractable handle. It is secured to a children's seat for use. Extending the handle, the children's seat secured to the adaptor may be tilted or tipped onto the wheels. The children's seat may be transported by pushing or pulling the children's seat connected to the adaptor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention can be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a rear view of a mobile children's seat of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a side view of the mobile children's seat illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having retractable wheels;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a rear view of the alternative embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a rear view of the alternative embodiment illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> having an extended handle;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a diagram of an alternative handle embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a diagram of the mobile children's seat of the present invention used as a vehicle seat;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a diagram of the mobile children's seat tilted along a fulcrum point for mobility;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a side view of a standard children's seat attached to the alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is a rear view of a standard children's seat attached to the alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a bottom view of a standard children's seat attached to the alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. <b>10</b>.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to convertible infant or toddler vehicle seats. More particularly, the present invention involves a multifunction vehicle seat for an infant or toddler, the vehicle seat easily converted to a mobile seat for transporting the infant or toddler outside of a vehicle.

The mobile children's seat of the present invention combines the safety and security of a children's vehicle seat with simple, yet effective mobility, thereby improving the functionality of a typical children's vehicle seat. In general, the mobile children's seat of the present invention includes a children's vehicle seat, a set of wheels attached to a fulcrum point of the children's vehicle seat, and a handle for pushing or pulling the mobile children's seat. When used as a vehicle seat for a child, the handle may be stored in a portion of the children's seat or detached so as not to interfere with the operation of the mobile children's seat as a vehicle safety seat. Similarly, the wheels may be retracted. The mobile children's seat may also be equipped with low-profile fixed wheels which do not interfere with the use of the mobile children's seat as a vehicle safety seat. Positioned in a vehicle, the mobile children's seat may be used just as any other children's vehicle safety seat is used, protecting the child seated in the mobile children's seat. In a mobile transportation mode, the mobile children's seat is removed from a vehicle with or without a child in the mobile children's seat. Placed on a surface such as a sidewalk, the wheels of the mobile children's seat are in contact with the surface. The handle may be extended and locked, providing a lever with which to tilt the mobile children's seat onto the wheels for mobility. The mobile children's seat is then pushed or pulled using the handle.

The preferred embodiments of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of present invention are illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 through 13</figref>. For the sake of clarity, the numbering of similar components of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> remains consistent throughout all of the Figures.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a front view of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention configured as a vehicle seat. Similarly, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a side view of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> configured for placement on a vehicle seat. The mobile children's seat <b>100</b> includes a seat portion <b>110</b> and a back portion <b>120</b> positioned to support a child sitting in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. For the purposes of describing this invention, a combination of the seat portion <b>110</b> and the back portion <b>120</b> is generally referred to as the child's seat. Optional armrest portions <b>112</b> may also be integrated with the child's seat to provide support for a child's arms while sitting in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. Stoppers <b>140</b> and wheels <b>130</b> are positioned underneath the seat portion <b>110</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. In combination, the wheels <b>130</b> and the stoppers <b>140</b> provide a stable base for the child's seat. A handle <b>160</b> retracts into the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>.

Each of the two wheels <b>130</b> is positioned along a fulcrum point <b>134</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. The fulcrum point <b>134</b> is positioned such that the child's seat will sit upright without tipping backwards during normal seated operation. In other words, in order to tip the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> about the fulcrum point <b>134</b>, or onto the wheels <b>130</b>, an additional physical force must be exerted upon the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> to cause such tipping. Generally, an additional physical force capable of tipping the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> onto the wheels <b>130</b> at the fulcrum point <b>134</b> is exerted upon an extended handle <b>160</b>.

Furthermore, a locking mechanism (not shown) may be incorporated or attached to one or both of the wheels <b>130</b> to prevent any undesired movement of the wheels <b>130</b>. Activation of the locking mechanism secures the wheel <b>130</b>, thereby preventing unwanted movement of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> when sitting in a stationary position. For example, the locking mechanism may require a user to push down on a locking switch (not shown) to engage a brake pad (not shown) to the wheel <b>130</b>. Releasing the locking switch disengages the brake pad and allows the wheel <b>130</b> to move. Locking mechanisms of this sort, along with other designs, are well known in the art and will not be explained further herein.

Although wheels <b>130</b> are typically secured in a fixed position on the fulcrum point <b>134</b>, retractable wheels <b>131</b> may be incorporated with the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> instead. Fixed wheels <b>130</b> are, however, preferable because they involve fewer moving parts, reducing the cost of making the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> and reducing the number of malfunctions occurring from broken moving parts.

One embodiment of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>, having retractable wheels <b>131</b> in a retracted position, is illustrated in FIG. <b>3</b>. Retractable wheels <b>131</b> may be extended from or retracted into the seat portion <b>110</b> or back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. When the retractable wheels <b>131</b> are in a retracted position the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> looks and operates as a common children's vehicle seat. Extension of the retractable wheels <b>131</b> into an operable position creates a mobile children's seat <b>100</b> similar to a fixed wheel mobile children's seat <b>100</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>. It is noted that in either embodiment, the fixed wheels <b>130</b> or the retractable wheels <b>131</b> are positioned so as not to interfere with the operational use of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> as a children's vehicle seat.

To extend the retractable wheels <b>131</b>, one of many mechanisms may be used. For example, referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the retractable wheels <b>131</b> may be mounted on a movable axle <b>135</b> connected to a lever <b>136</b>, the lever <b>136</b> being used to extend or retract the retractable wheels <b>131</b>. When pushed downward, the lever <b>136</b> forces the movable axle <b>135</b> downward, thereby extending the retractable wheels <b>131</b>. Once the retractable wheels <b>131</b> are in an operable position, a locking mechanism, such as a spring lock (not shown), engages the lever <b>136</b>, locking the retractable wheels <b>131</b> in the operable position. Release of the spring lock allows the lever <b>136</b> to be lifted, thereby retracting the retractable wheels <b>131</b> into the seat portion <b>110</b> or back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. The lever <b>136</b> may also be locked into this disengaged or retracted position with a second spring lock.

Alternatively, the lever <b>136</b> may be spring loaded or hydraulically controlled to maintain the retractable wheels <b>131</b> in a retracted position. To extend the retractable wheels <b>131</b>, one may apply sufficient force to the lever <b>136</b> to overcome the spring or hydraulics until the lever <b>136</b> is locked in an engaged position with, for example, a spring lock (not shown). Upon releasing the locking mechanism, the spring or hydraulic force automatically returns the retractable wheels <b>131</b> to a disengaged or retracted position. It is understood that many different extension and extraction mechanisms are well known and available in the art, thus further description thereof is omitted.

The present invention is not limited by the type of wheel <b>130</b>, or rolling mechanism, used to provide mobility to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. It is understood that many different mobility mechanisms known in the art may be used with the present invention. For example, a singular wheel (not shown), comprising a long tube capable of rolling along a surface, may be used in place of individual and separate wheels.

Again referencing <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, the stoppers <b>140</b> provide stability to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in a seated or stationary position. The stoppers <b>140</b> also position the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> such that a child sitting in the child's seat sits in a comfortable position. Alternatively, the stoppers <b>140</b> may be replaced by an integrated base support <b>142</b> incorporated into the seat portion <b>110</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> as illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4 and 5</figref>. As illustrated, in an alternate embodiment of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>, the seat portion <b>110</b> includes an integrated base support <b>142</b> configured to position the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in a comfortable and safe position when the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is set on a surface such as a sidewalk or positioned to carry a child in a vehicle.

A handle <b>160</b> may be integrated with the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. In a preferred embodiment, the handle <b>160</b> is configured to extend and retract into the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. For example, a handle <b>160</b> depicted in an extended position is illustrated in FIG. <b>6</b>. The handle <b>160</b> may include a handle grip <b>164</b> spanned between and joining two handle arms <b>162</b>. Each of the handle arms <b>162</b> fit into handle tubes <b>122</b> incorporated into the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. The handle arms <b>162</b> are movable within the handle tubes <b>122</b> such that all but the handle grip <b>164</b> of the handle <b>160</b> may be hidden within the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. When extended, the handle <b>160</b> may be locked into an extended position. For example, spring buttons <b>166</b> incorporated into the handle arms <b>162</b> fit into button holes <b>124</b> in the exposed portions of the handle tubes <b>122</b>. The spring buttons <b>166</b> may be aligned on the handle arms <b>162</b> such that when the handle <b>160</b> is extended, the spring buttons <b>166</b> click into position within the button holes <b>124</b> and lock the handle <b>160</b> into position. To unlock the handle <b>160</b>, the spring buttons <b>166</b> may be pushed inwards as a downward force is exerted on the handle <b>160</b> such that the spring buttons <b>166</b> become enclosed within the handle tubes <b>122</b>, allowing the handle <b>160</b> to be pushed back into a retracted position. Similar handle locking mechanisms, including telescoping handles with multiple locking devices, are common in the art. It is understood that other handle locking mechanisms could be readily incorporated into the present invention.

Similarly, alternate handle <b>160</b> shapes and configurations may be incorporated with the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention. For example, the unitary handle <b>161</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> may comprise a unitary body and grip and can include larger spring buttons <b>167</b>. The unitary handle <b>161</b> design may provide additional structural strength to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>, allowing greater control of the maneuverability of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in mobile operation. Likewise, the larger spring buttons <b>167</b> may improve the ease by which the unitary handle <b>161</b> may be deployed and used with the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>.

Alternatively, a detachable handle (not shown) could be incorporated with the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. A detachable handle may attach to the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> using fastening mechanisms as known in the art.

In addition to a handle <b>160</b>, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may include additional lifting handles (not shown). For example, a lifting handle shaped to fit an adult's hand may be molded into the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> to aid with the removal of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> from a vehicle. An additional lifting handle may be molded into the seat portion <b>110</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> such that a person lifting the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> could do so by grasping two lifting handles, making it easier to insert and extract a mobile children's seat <b>100</b> from a vehicle.

The mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention may also include safety features and devices generally associated with children's vehicle seats or safety seats. For example, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may include a retention system (not shown), such as a five-point seat harness, for safely securing a child in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. A restraint system similar to or like the ones used by race car drivers would also be desirable. Additional straps or connection devices may also be incorporated into the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> so that the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may be secured to a vehicle seat. Such connection devices and methods are well known in the art of children's safety seat design and, therefore, further discussion of such devices is omitted.

Additional accessories may also be incorporated or attached to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention. For example, a sun-screen to protect a child seated in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may be attached thereto. Similarly, other items could be attached to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention. For example, attachments may include a sun/rain canopy, a diaper bags attachment, storage compartments, attachment straps for attaching bags or miscellaneous items, an eating/playing tray, arm rests, foot rests/protectors, entertainment devices such as built in electronic games, dvd/tv or movie players, built in beverage bottles, and the like.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8 and 9</figref>, use of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention is described. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention secured within a vehicle, such as a car. Although the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is illustrated in a forward facing position, it is understood that the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may also be positioned in a rearward facing position as known in the art. Furthermore, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may include any or all of the mandated safety features for children's vehicle seats. When used as a children's vehicle seat, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention secures and protects the child secured therein.

When removed from a vehicle and set on the ground or similar surface, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> provides a stable seat for a child secured therein. Even with fixed wheels <b>130</b>, or extended retractable wheels <b>131</b>, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is stable, and may conform to any or all of the mandated safety requirements.

Extending the handle <b>160</b> into an operable position and applying the necessary force controllably tips or rotates the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> into a mobile position. An example of such a mobile position is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9. A</figref> mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in the mobile position may be pushed or, preferably, pulled. The mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may also be easily maneuvered around obstacles or along a preferred course.

For example, operation of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> may resemble the operation of a carry-on luggage bag commonly used by travelers. A child may be pulled in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in the same fashion that one would pull a carry-on luggage bag. This offers many advantages over the car seat/stroller combinations currently available on the market. For instance, when being pulled, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> follows the individual pulling the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>, allowing more efficient maneuverability because the pulling individual clears a path for the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> to follow. Unlike currently available strollers, the child in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is not being used to clear a path. Additionally, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is easily operated with one hand. This frees up one of the pulling individual's hands, allowing them to carry additional items or perform different tasks. The mobile children's seat <b>100</b> also provides a safe and comfortable position for the child secured therein. For example, when sleeping, a child's head is in a comfortable, reclined position rather than an uncomfortable hanging position often associated with other car seat/stroller units.

A swing arm <b>190</b> may also be integrated into the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> as an additional safety feature or operational feature. The swing arm <b>190</b> may swing freely with gravity or may be locked into a designated position. For example, a tipped mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in the transportation mode is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9. A</figref> swing arm <b>190</b> swinging freely with gravity maintains a substantially perpendicular position with respect to the surface along which the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is being pushed or pulled. Of course, if the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is being pushed or pulled up or down a hill, the swing arm will not be perpendicular with respect to the surface. In any event, having been tipped onto the wheels <b>130</b> at the fulcrum point <b>134</b>, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> will continue to tip backwards until the back portion <b>120</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> touches the ground. Thus, if the handle <b>160</b> of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> is accidentally released or dropped, the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> could crash to the ground, scaring the child in the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. An accident of this type is prevented with deployment of the swing arm <b>190</b>. If the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is dropped when transporting a child, the swing arm <b>190</b> would prevent the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> from dropping to the ground. Although, the distance to the ground is minimal and the seat's design will not allow the child to drop forward, only backward where the child is protected by the seat frame, a swing arm <b>190</b> may be desirable as it has other functions.

The swing arm <b>190</b> may also be locked into position and used as a support stand for the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. The swing arm may also be configured in a tripod fashion for stability. In this manner, swing arm <b>190</b> acts much like a kick-stand for a bicycle or motorcycle, supporting the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> in a reclined position. A child seated in a reclined mobile children's seat <b>100</b> supported by a swing arm <b>190</b> could be maintained in such reclined position, thus reducing the likelihood that the child will awake due to a change in position.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 through 13</figref>. The illustrated children's seat mobility adaptor <b>200</b> allows an individual to convert a standard children's seat into a children's seat similar to the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> described herein. Although a preferred embodiment of the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> is illustrated, it is understood that similar, alternate embodiments are also encompassed, as the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> may differ slightly for each brand of children's seats to which it is adapted.

The mobility adaptor <b>200</b> may include a seat plate portion <b>210</b>, one or more wheels <b>230</b> attached to an axle <b>231</b> moveably fixed to the seat plate portion <b>210</b>, and a handle assembly <b>260</b> attached to the seat plate portion <b>210</b>. The seat plate portion <b>210</b> may include a hole <b>212</b> for attaching a children's vehicle seat to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> with a bolt or other fastening device. Although a mobility adaptor <b>200</b> with the seat plate portion <b>210</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10 through 13</figref>, it is understood that the seat plate portion <b>210</b> is not required. Stoppers <b>240</b>, may be attached to the seat plate portion <b>210</b> to provide stability when the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> is in an upright position. The handle assembly <b>260</b> includes handle arms <b>262</b> mounted in handle tubes <b>222</b> and a handle grip <b>264</b> spanning and joining the handle arms <b>262</b>. Spring buttons (not shown) may be incorporated with the handle arms <b>262</b> in a manner similar to that of the mobile children's seat <b>100</b>. Likewise, button holes (not shown) in the handle tubes <b>222</b> may be provided to accept the spring buttons of the handle arms <b>262</b> when the handle arms <b>262</b> are extended, thereby locking the handle arms <b>262</b> in position. The mobility adaptor <b>200</b> also includes attachments <b>270</b> to fasten a children's vehicle seat to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b>. The attachments <b>270</b> may include clamps, bolts, straps, or other fastening devices capable of securing a children's vehicle seat to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> of the present invention.

A mobility adaptor <b>200</b> attached to children's vehicle seat <b>300</b> is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 11 through 13</figref>. As illustrated, the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> is configured to conform to the shape of the children's seat <b>300</b> to provide a low profile addition to the children's seat <b>300</b>. The seat plate portion <b>210</b> attaches to the bottom of the children's seat <b>300</b> using a fastening device sufficient to secure the children's seat <b>300</b> to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b>. For example, a bolt (not shown) inserted through hole <b>212</b> and into an adapted bolt hole in the children's seat <b>300</b> may be used to secure the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> to the children's seat <b>300</b>. Additional fastening devices <b>270</b> secure the back of the children's seat <b>300</b> to the handle tubes <b>222</b>.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the handle assembly may be incorporated into a back support portion capable of housing the handle assembly in a retracted position. The back support portion of a mobility adaptor <b>200</b> helps to support and fasten a children's seat <b>300</b> to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b>.

The mobility adaptor <b>200</b> allows a regular children's seat to be adapted to function like the mobile children's seat <b>100</b> of the present invention. Once secured to a children's seat, the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> may be left on the seat with only occasional checks of the fastening devices <b>270</b> to insure that the children's seat is securely fastened to the mobility adaptor <b>200</b>. Thus, the mobility adaptor <b>200</b> and children's seat operates as a single piece of equipment, providing mobility to children's seats.

Having thus described certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention defined by the appended claims is not to be limited by particular details set forth in the above description, as many apparent variations thereof are possible without departing from the spirit or scope thereof as hereinafter claimed.